Ancient / Primitive Cultures

Recently, in part of my studies, my quest for understanding and wisdom, I began studying ancient/primitive cultures. What I have found (so I think) is that in a majority of these cultures that were predominantly of a nature-based religion or belief system is that they were for all intents and purposes, a peaceful and harmonious society. That is not to say that they did not conduct warfare, or what we would today consider atrocities, such as human torture or sacrifice.

In most instances warfare or raids were conducted either as a means of protecting one’s hunting grounds, or as an expansion of those lands because the wildlife had moved on. From what I have been able to absorb, those nature-based religions or belief systems were not “into” spreading or forcing their will or belief upon others. They existed in a tribal or familial clan type structure, very similar to the herd or pack structure of many animal species, often with what we now call an alpha-male and alpha-female in the leadership or hierarchy of the tribe or clan.

As the tribe or clan grew, there always became a potential for another male or female to challenge the position of the “alpha”. Depending upon the outcome of the challenge and the nature of the level of support between the “alpha” and “challenger” the tribe or clan might split into two separate, yet intrinsically related sub groupings. In the same token, if there was not a level of support behind one of the participants, the loser might be expelled from the clan or be forced into a position of submission.

As the numbers of these sub groupings and the tribe or clan grew, one begins to see the development of a “nation” or “people”. Again, this is purely opinion pertaining to those grouping that were of a nature-based religion or belief system. For many hold the belief or position that all life, two-legged, four-legged, winged, finned, plant, and even stone was sacred or holy. Further this is why there are so many and diverse accounts of nature-based peoples following the precept of “Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more,” or something extremely similar. It is also an example of why so many of these cultures had a ritual of prayer following the kill of the hunt, to thank and honor the spirit of the animal for giving itself as food and shelter for the people.

Regarding the issues of human torture and sacrifice, I have not studied enough to make an “informed” assessment, only a personal perception or opinion. First in order to attempt to comprehend the purpose we need to be able to step outside our current 21st century frame of mind and existence.

One of the most common beliefs or understandings of nature-based peoples is that all things are related. Additionally it is believed (or so I understand) that all life besides being sacred or holy has within it a “life-force”. The shedding or spilling of blood is representational of that life-force being taken or given by the one whose blood it is. Which is why in certain cultures after the kill, the hunters promptly after a prayer thanking the animal for giving its life, then consume either the heart of the animal or drink its blood. The concept is that the “life-force” of the animal then becomes a part of the hunter. In other similar cultures that are farmers, they would take the first fruits of spring milk or honey and pour back unto the soil, Mother Earth, as an offering to continue the abundance of the farming season.

We tend to think of human sacrifice as barbaric in this 21st century world. Yet when one considers the time of ancient or primitive culture and what it meant at that time, to give one’s life as a willing sacrifice for the good of the people, would be considered an honor. Yet in some instances the sacrifice was made through the shedding of captive’s blood, prisoners of battle, which by today’s standards in barbaric. Often times such a prisoner sacrifice was or could likely more properly be as atonement for actions of the individual or people.

And I’m sure I’ll catch a little flak for this statement, but Jesus of Nazareth did say, “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his brother.” Granted in the context used here by me, the quotation of Christ is out of context with Hebrew teachings about killing another person. Yet my purpose of mentioning it is associated with the “honor” and “respect” of giving one’s own life for his brother or sister or people. This is another reason those who were warriors of the clan or tribe or people were always held in high honor and respect for they chose to put their lives on the line for the protection of the people.

21st Century Society . . .

We of humanity, in the 21st Century are the most vile, viscious, destructive and selfish species on the planet likely since the begining of time. We seek to control, kill or destroy that which we do not understand, accept or believe as we do. Even the most viscious of the animal kingdom does not kill its own kind even to appease it's hunger. Yet, we humans, the stewards of this planet, will kill each other for a pair of designer tennis shoes, a few ounces of a man-made chemical to alter our sense of reality, or worse for the thrill or adrenalin rush. We have no reason to be at the top of the proverbial food chain.

In fact it begins to scare me to an extent when I look at today's younger generation. These are going to be the ones in government positions making decisions about society and life when I reach my "golden years". They will be the ones in control of this country's nuclear arsenal for the defense of this country. They will be the ones required to take action should Al'Qeda, the Red Dawn, Shining Path, or other terrorist group strike the American homeland again. Yet these are the same ones today who accept no responsibility for their actions and are so quickly to point the finger of blame at someone else.

May the Creator have Mercy on humanity!

Silver Eagle